Week 5 – Golden Tate vs. Buffalo Bills
With Calvin Johnson limited due to an ankle injury last week against the Jets, Golden Tate stepped up with team-highs of eight receptions and 116 yards. It was Golden’s best performance in his first month as a Lion and he’s now averaging nearly 80 yards per outing. While he hasn’t been in the end zone yet, Tate is a solid No. 2 wideout and is in line for another big game against a Bills defense that’s 25th at stopping the pass. Regardless of Johnson’s injury status, go ahead and start the former Notre Damer this week.
Week 4 – Golden Tate vs. New York Jets
Against the Packers last Sunday, Golden Tate collected five receptions for 51 yards. He has 16 catches for 201 yards in his first three games as a Lion, but has yet to find the end zone. Even though Matthew Stafford is averaging 294 passing yards per game, he has thrown for just three scores, with two of them going to Calvin Johnson in the first quarter of the season. Temper expectations for Golden this week as he faces a pretty good Jets secondary.
Week 3 – Golden Tate vs. Green Bay Packers
After registering 93 yards in his first game with Detroit, Golden Tate was limited to five receptions for 57 yards in the loss to the Panthers last week. Tate got off to a quick start, catching four passes for 53 yards in the first quarter, but had only one grab the rest of the way. Calvin Johnson will likely lead the team in targets from Matthew Stafford each week, but Golden should continue to get plenty of looks as well. The Pack has allowed a total of just 355 total passing yards the first two games, so don't expect a huge game from Golden.
Week 2 – Golden Tate vs. Carolina Panthers
Playing in his first game in a Lions uniform last Monday versus the Giants, Golden Tate collected six receptions for 93 yards. With Calvin Johnson having a huge first quarter, Tate was utilized later on as Detroit was putting the nails in the G-Men’s coffin. Carolina limited the Buccaneers to only 162 passing yards last week, so don’t expect the Lions offense to be able to march up and down the field in this one. Tate is only a flex play this week.
Week 1 – Golden Tate vs. New York Giants
Golden Tate will make his regular season debut with the Lions on Monday night at Ford Field. In Seattle last season he registered career-highs of 64 grabs for nearly 900 yards and should best those numbers by the time the ’14 season is over. With Calvin Johnson drawing a lot of double-teams, Golden should see a lot of singe coverage. Look for Matthew Stafford to look his way a lot on Monday night, so be sure Tate is in your starting lineup.
Fantasy Upside
After winning the Super Bowl with the Seahawks, Golden Tate takes his act to the Motor City. In his fourth season with Seattle, he registered career-highs of 64 receptions and 898 yards. He also caught five TDs, bringing his total to a dozen over the past two seasons. A sure-handed weapon, Golden was targeted 98 times last season and had only two drops. He is delighted to be with the Lions who threw the ball a lot more than the Seahawks (634 attempts versus 420). He’s missed only one game during the past three years.
Fantasy Downside
Golden was Seattle’s punt returner last season, but should be able to pass those duties to Jeremy Ross so he can concentrate on the WR position. He had an off-season shoulder injury, but appears to be just fine now. He’s not a tall target at just 5’10”.
Bottom Line
Even though the Lions may have a more balanced attack this season, Tate’s numbers should be at least equal to what they were in ’13. With Calvin Johnson attracting the attention of opposing defenses, Golden should get plenty of 1-on-1 opportunities and should really benefit, especially with his speed. He is ranked in the low 30s for WRs, making him a high-end WR3. If he and QB Matt Stafford develop a good rapport quickly, it could be a big year for the former Notre Damer.
